Identification of volatile organic compound as a novel modality for cervical cancer detection

Abstract

Objective In this study, we developed a novel detection strategy based on volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing. Persistent infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) may cause biological changes in the cervical epithelium, leading to VOC production. Methods This study included 200 urine samples from cervical cancer patients and controls that were HPV-negative. Urine samples were collected and measured using a gas sensor array composed of a matrix of 10 sensors. For each analyzed sample, the instrument produced a vector signal encoding the VOC emitted from the urine (urine prints). The urine prints of cervical cancer patients were differentiated from those of healthy controls. Results Identification of VOC for cervical cancer detection showed reliable accuracy (91% sensitivity, 85% specificity, and 89% accuracy). Conclusion Our results demonstrated the applicability of VOC sensing for cervical cancer detection and its potential application in treatment monitoring.